Unsung hero gets just reward

Regardless of the result in Sunday's World Cup final between the All Blacks and France, Peter Semmens is going to enjoy it.

The rugby-mad Masterton man has won the trip of a lifetime to Eden Park for the match, and said he was looking forward to seeing history in the making.

"If we win obviously it will be fantastic but if France win it will be their first World Cup," he said. "But I think the French, if we hit them hard and actually score a couple of tries early on, then they might just give up."

Along with best mate Todd Coley, Semmens will fly to Auckland on the day, be transferred to a hotel for pre-game drinks and nibbles, stay for the night, then fly home on Monday.

The package is part of a Coca-Cola initiative called Rugby's Unsung Heroes, with the Masterton Red Star rugby club president chosen as among four people around the country who have given their all to the game.

"I feel really humbled to even be considered for the award," he said.

Coley, who nominated Semmens for the honour, said his mate deserved it.

"He's put so much into rugby here, especially with the juniors, and he's so well-known in the rugby community."

And he is certainly glad Semmens chose him to go along.

"He had to choose me because like it said in the ad, it's for you and a mate," Coley said.

Semmens has been involved with the Masterton Red Star Rugby Club for 26 years, first as a player, then referee, then as a senior and junior coach.

In 2006 he took over as chairman of the junior (JAB) team with the vision of creating a family-orientated club.

During the past few years, he has increased the number of junior players from 72 to more than 200.

He has also helped to raise an amazing $50,000 for the renovation of the clubrooms, and organised working bees to spruce up the grounds.